W.H. “Bill” Simpson

W.H. "Bill" Simpson
W.H. “Bill” Simpson

W.H. “Bill” Simpson

1932-2019

Bill Simpson, 87, of Amarillo, TX joined our Heavenly Father on December 18, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 21st at eleven o’clock in the morning at Hillside Christian Church, West Campus, 6100 South Soncy, with Pastor Greg Corona officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Boulevard.

Bill was born on March 17, 1932 in Caney, OK to Richard Chester and Bessie Owens Simpson. His father died in 1935, leaving his mother to raise six children on the family farm. She later remarried Bill Rutledge, who had seven children of his own, and they joined their two families before eventually having two more children together. He attended school in Nine Pines, El Dorado and Elk City, worked on the farm and even spent a summer grading grapes out in California.

He honorably served in the military from 1951-1956 attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, serving at Ft. Bliss and Ft. Hamilton as an artillery man. He witnessed the only nuclear artillery shell fired out of the atomic cannon, Operation Upshot Knothole Grable, at the Nevada test site on May 25, 1953.

Between Bill and all his brothers, they served a total of 143 years in the military for our country.

He met Marlene Joan Ferris while in the service and they were married in Elizabeth, NJ on June 11, 1955. They had two sons, Billy and Glenn, and after five years together in New Jersey, they made the move cross-country to Amarillo, Texas.

After the service, Bill traded in his military greens for a carpenter’s square and hammer, working as a framer, carpenter and painter. He was a hard worker who eventually became an established developer and homebuilder, owning and operating Simpson Homes beginning in 1965. Locally, he developed Estacado Estates, Windsor Square, Bell Park, and Windsong among others. Simpson Drive, in Puckett West, was also named after him. He was past President of the Texas Panhandle Builders Association and a former deacon of Paramount Terrace Christian Church.

Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His commitment to an honest day’s work, generosity with his resources and love for his family will outlast his days on this earth.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard Chester (1935), his mother Bessie (2000), step-father William Rutledge (1969), his brothers Melvin and R.B., sisters Pauline, Fern and Betty, half-brother W.B., half-sister Yvonne, and step-brothers Wayne, Hobert, Orbin, Gordon, and William and step-sisters Fetnah and Jolene.

He is survived by his wife Marlene and two sons, Billy Simpson and wife Connie, and Glenn Simpson and wife Pam, both of Amarillo; four grandchildren, Stacy and Brad Thompson of Laos, Crystal and Ryan Pennington, Brent and Casey Simpson, and Lisa Simpson, all of Amarillo, and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, December 20th from 5:00-6:30 PM.

13 Replies to “W.H. “Bill” Simpson”

  1. To one of my absolute favorite families, the Simpson Family
    Words can’t describe the sadness I’m feeling to know your daddy is no longer w us on this earth but my Faith tells me he’s in Heaven w our Father God! That alone gives my heart JOY and happy tears!!! As for now, you all along w your families and friends that adored your daddy/Papa shall continue to live on this earth w faithful hearts and shinning for JESUS as we wait for our turn to go home too, with our father God.
    I pray that each of you have the faith and strength to continue to Live day by day and be strong for that precious mother/grandmother/mother-in-law of yours as she needs all the love and support now that she’s alone but she too shall reunite with her husband; what a glorious day that’ll be!!! You too will reunite w your daddy/papa/ father-in-law too.
    Glenn, Pam and Lisa: you are certainly on my heart! I love you three like family. Soon I will go see y’all but please accept my apologies for not knowing about the loss of your daddy until late Sunday.
    I know your dad/papa is looking at each of you w a huge smile, NO pain and feeling HONORED because he raised two strong, smart and loving sons and their families are amazing too. You ALL made him so proud. I could see it in his eyes the times i would see Mr Simpson. Im sure you all will continue his legacy and cherish the moments you all made w Mr Simpson.
    My condolences to ALL of you.
    Sincerely,
    Matthew & Delia Carpenter
    Los amo!!!

  2. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed. I enjoyed our short visits as I delivered his mail as he would often be sitting outside. Praying for strength and comfort for all of his family.

  3. We are truly sorry for your loss! What an incredible man! Sending hugs, love and prayers! We are thinking of you during this difficult time and wish you healing and peace!❤️❤️❤️

  4. What a great man. You were so much a part of my life growing up. You will be missed dear Bill. Fly free with the angels and enjoy your new home in heaven. Love you.

  5. I’m so sorry for your loss. I never did get that dance with him. It’s been a sad month for many of us. My condolences to you all. Love you!

  6. As we reflect on the years we have known all of you and memories of us knowing all of you it brings smile
    Bill will be missed and your memories will keep you comforted. Bill’s wit of humor always made us laugh and 5hat will be our memory to keep of him.
    Hugs to all of you. Our prayers are with each of you for strength, comfort and peace during this time.
    Paul & Dorothy Corona

  7. Marlene, Glenn and Pam.

    Shellie and my hearts go out to your family.

    We always enjoyed the hospitality you provided over the years. Thanks for allowing us into your family.

    Ted and Shellie

  8. A true friend has gone “home ” to be with his family. Bill and i grew closer as we continued to work together for prox. 30 years . In our growth, I felt like he was like a brother to me. Now with him gone , I feel like I have lost a second brother. Marlene, Billy, and Glenn , I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.

  9. I am so sorry for your loss! He was a super man! I have many memories of him with Brent in Baseball! Love y’all Cyndy Jones

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